Hybrid Formations: In Pursuit of Novel Form

“I do not oppose form, but only form as a goal.”– Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

“Before computers, you'd start designing using shapes of cubes. Now I can start with something like a handkerchief, an object that doesn't have strong inside and outside boundaries or much closed volume.”-Greg Lynn

The agency of form is an essential part of our design disciplines and can be traced back with all its characteristics throughout the history of architecture. Form has traditionally served towards aspects of performance, ornamentation, symbolism, economics, materiality and many other intentions.

However, from classical geometrical configurations to elaborate baroque embellishment; from sleek modernist assemblages to current neo-postmodernism and post-digital design agendas, the agency of form has always created a polemic episode, the pursuit of novel form.So what should this exploration of form look like today? Should we borrow ideas from the past and repackage them or should we use new technologies to project into the future?Hybrid Formations: In Pursuit of Novel Form is a design and digital fabrication seminar which will explore alternative ways to engage with form by introducing cross-disciplinary techniques and digital technologies.

Students are asked to analyze and explore specific means of form making both in its genesis and production within several disciplines of design. During the course of the semester students will master and apply 3D modeling techniques such as polygon and subdivision modeling to generate formal assemblies. We will then apply digital fabrication techniques similar to the aviation and automobile industry. Manufactured out of several material properties, the novel forms will consist of a series of unique CNC components, 3D printed elements and embedded technology such as sensors and electrical integrals. These individual components will be assembled like an intricate 3-dimensional puzzle, creating elegant, dynamic and futuristic forms.This seminar includes weekly lectures, workshops, and online guest lectures.

No prerequisite required. Students need to bring laptops during seminar hours loaded with Rhinoceros, V-Ray, Adobe, and 3DS Max (available for students to download through Autodesk Education Community online)